Tim McNulty
PODEMOS has been blocked from communicating with its supporters on messaging app WhatsApp days before Spain goes to the polls.
The left-wing party had been using WhatsApp to connect with tens of thousands of supporters and deliver campaign messages ahead of April 28.
WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, suspended Podemos’ account for breaking the terms of services by using the app for automated mass messages.
“We have been operating normally for 15 days, sending messages and communicating with people who have asked us to register.
“With just a few days before the election left, we will not be able to start anew if the channel is not restored,” said Podemos communication secretary Juanma del Olmo.
It comes as Facebook removed three far-right group responsible for targeted propaganda aimed at voters in Spain.
Podemos accepted that mass messages had been sent automatically but claimed other parties had been doing the same.
In response, a Whatsapp spokesperson said: “We apply the same implementation standards for all WhatsApp users worldwide.”
“Our terms and services are explicit and do not allow mass messaging or third-party programs to automate messages.”
